Effects of Simulated Equestrian Therapy on Motor Proficiency and Gait Parameters Among Down Syndrome Children

"The treatment group will receive Simulated Equestrian Therapy for 12 weeks thrice per week using 2 horse simulators (wooden and mechanical) in two phases.~Phase I The child will be instructed to ride the mechanical simulator in a pre-defined area measuring 10 yards and complete a total of 4 rounds of this area. Rest periods in between and after will be provided to the child when required. Major muscles of the body will be targeted here to strengthen the core.~Phase II The child will be instructed to ride the wooden simulator and a combination of goal directed activates will be performed."

This group will perform overall stability and body balancing exercises to strengthen the core and develop the coordination and balance required for task performance. Each activity will be performed in a set of 2-3, considering the activity level of the child, with 8-12 repetitions attaining the available ROM and flexibility of the child. The participants will undergo warm-up before the exercise and cool-down afterwards.